[Gruppe B]

I am preparing to construct some composite panels for my Notch project and cant find any info regarding to the number of carbon cloth layers needed for rigidity of the panel while keeping weight to a mininum.
I understand that with large amounts of curves rigidity increases so for discussion lets say that we were planning on creating a rabbit hood.
Also, I am planning on using 5ounce cloth would this be the best choice or should I be using something thicker (twill)?. Is there a prefered epoxy resin for rigid type work? Some epoxies I've used (with glass) have been pretty flexible and almost soft

compared with brittle but somewhat rigid polyester.
The project is a 63 notch that will be running a 16v rocco motor, discs all around, and sporting the porsche look. My goal is 1800lbs dry so as to smack around pesky domestics with v8s

Any help would be much appreciated http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

Modified by Gruppe B at 12:53 PM 7-1-2003

 

[whiteagle]

Re: Carbon Fiber Bodywork Construction Question (Gruppe B)

just for starters, you have no idea what you are thinking about doing, or you would run--not walk, but run-- the other way!

lol
that said, the number of layers you use (aka rigidity) depends on a lot of factors. is it a daily driver, or a race car that will only be used every once in a while. it depends on the shape of the piece, type of cloth, and quite a lot of other stuff, but a good place to start for the hood would be about half a dozen layers i'm guessing, and reinforce that with aluminium.
also i would consider using a high-quality polyester resin. it can become somewhat "brittle" over long periods of time/heat, but you don't want to be outside on a hot day and have your hood melt in. http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif very uncool. and if you use a good quality one it should be ok.
also if you wanted to, for the outside you could use an easier to mold lighter cloth and for the inside use a heavier cloth, so you won't have to use as many layers.
anyway, if you can pull it off, i'll be impressed. it's something that i've always thought about doing but never wanted to spend that much time/money on it. i'll just stick to my carbon/kevlar hood for now.
good luck!!! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif